After they talked for a while longer, everyone gradually left one by one, and only Unohana Retsu and Arata remained in the room.
"Teacher, about the division selection process..." Arata brought up the question that had been on his mind.
"The traditional method so far has been mutual selection between the divisions and the students." Unohana Retsu closed the door to ensure no one was eavesdropping from outside.
"Representatives of each division will hand out invitations on the spot, and students can either accept or decline them. However..."
She paused and pulled an envelope from her sleeve. "The Captain has given you special permission. You can skip the usual process and directly join any division. You can even choose to become the apprentice of a captain."
Arata took the envelope and saw that the inner side was sealed with the stamp of the 1st Division and the seal of Captain Yamamoto.
When he looked up, he met Unohana Retsu's gentle gaze.
"Of course," she said softly, like a caring teacher patiently guiding her student, "as your teacher, I naturally hope you will give the 4th Division the most consideration."
"But the final decision is yours. I can only offer advice. After all..." Unohana Retsu glanced meaningfully at the Zanpakutō hanging at Arata's waist. "Joining different divisions will directly impact your future development."
Arata understood what she was trying to say.
Meigetsu's abilities were highly offensive and indeed did not fit well with the 4th Division, which was full of medical-type Zanpakutō.
However, the temptation of being personally guided by Unohana Retsu was too great.
His head started to ache, and he felt confused.
"I'll seriously consider it." He carefully put away the envelope. "By the way, teacher, do I need to prepare anything for today's afternoon graduation ceremony?"
"Just change clothes and arrive on time." Unohana Retsu turned to head toward the door, but suddenly looked back before opening it.
"By the way, I didn't throw away your Academy uniform. I washed it and hung it out to dry in the courtyard."
…
Arata lightly jogged into the courtyard, found his uniform, and changed out of the shinigami attire that Unohana Retsu had tailored for him.
Let that uniform remain in the 4th Division for now.
He would return for it when the time came to wear it again.
The central plaza of the Shinō Spiritual Arts Academy was decorated for the ceremony. Special spiritual lanterns from the 12th Division floated in the air, illuminating the entire area as if it were daylight.
As Arata stepped into the plaza, the previously lively conversations suddenly ceased, all eyes turned to the graduate who had become a legend.
"That's Saito Arata!"
"I heard he single-handedly took out dozens of Hollows!"
"Saito-senpai! He's so tall and handsome!"
"One day I'll be as strong as Saito-senpai!"
"It's a shame I quit halfway through, or I could've graduated alongside him…"
The whispers spread again like ripples.
Arata ignored the gossip and only noticed that Hisagi Shūhei and the others were standing somewhat awkwardly in the second row at the center of the plaza.
In front of them was one empty spot, clearly reserved for him.
"Saito-san!" The Academy's vice-chairman, Shibata, rushed over almost out of breath, sweat dripping from his forehead.
He had been overwhelmed preparing for today's graduation ceremony.
"Please come with me to the front row and wait. The guests from Seireitei will be arriving shortly."
Arata followed him obediently and stood in the front row, taking the place of the class representative.
A few minutes later, when Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni and the other Gotei 13 captains stepped onto the stage, the entire plaza fell silent.
The old man swept a sharp gaze across the stage, and when he spotted Arata's calm face, he gave a barely noticeable nod.
Even in the face of such a grand event, he managed to remain composed.
It seemed this young man was not only exceptionally talented, but also well above average in character.
"As decided jointly by all captains of the Gotei 13 and the Shinō Spiritual Arts Academy, the overall scores for this year's graduation exam are as follows—"
"Sixth Year, Class B, Yamagami Yua, theoretical score 75 points, in actual combat eliminated 5 standard Hollows, 2 of which were solo kills, final score: 62 points."
"Sixth Year, Class B, Kamiki Li, theoretical score 73 points, in actual combat eliminated 3 standard Hollows, 1 of which was solo, final score: 60 points."
"…"
As the report progressed, the captain's deep voice echoed through the plaza, announcing the results of all sixth-year students.
When it came to Arata's results, Captain Yamamoto paused for a moment, as if surprised by what was written on the report in his hand.
He slowly said, "Sixth Year, Class A, Saito Arata, theoretical score 100 points, in actual combat eliminated 25 standard Hollows, 16 Gillian-class Hollows, and 3 Adjuchas. Final score…"
"100 points!"
As soon as that number was spoken, the entire plaza erupted in uncontrollable whispers and exclamations.
Even many present members of the Gotei 13 felt as if they were dreaming. That number of defeated enemies surpassed the lifetime achievements of most officers and even some lieutenants.
"Now we will conduct a spiritual pressure level test." When the captain said that, technicians from the 12th Division wheeled out several precision instruments.
The six students whose names had been read stepped one by one onto the stage and placed their hands on the glowing orbs used for measurement.
As each one's spiritual pressure flowed into the devices, different beams of light lit up from the instruments.
"Yamagami Yua, twelfth-level spiritual pressure!"
"Aoga, ninth-level spiritual pressure!"
"Kanisawa Hotaru, ninth-level spiritual pressure!"
"Hisagi Shūhei, eighth-level spiritual pressure!"
As usual, Arata was last to take the test.
Under the eyes of all the captains, he placed his hand on the surface of the glowing orb and began to slowly inject his spiritual pressure.
In the next moment, a blinding purple light burst forth from the orb!
"Third… third-level spiritual pressure?!"
Kurotsuchi Mayuri suddenly leapt from his seat, a fanatical gleam flashing in his eyes beneath his mask. "That's impossible! The measuring equipment must be recalibrated—"
"Captain Kurotsuchi, there's nothing wrong with the equipment." Captain Yamamoto gently tapped his staff on the floor and looked at the excited Kurotsuchi Mayuri.
Although only Mayuri had leapt to his feet outwardly, in truth, every captain and lieutenant was just as shocked.
"Continue the ceremony."
During the next phase, division selection, the situation gradually spun out of control.
While other students were still searching and pleading for a division to accept them, a scene unfolded before everyone that left jaws dropping.
"11th Division offers the position of Third Officer!" Zaraki Kenpachi flipped the table, his thunderous roar echoing across the plaza.
Kyōraku Shunsui pulled his straw hat lower, a playful grin on his face. "Third seat in the 8th Division, directly under my command. Monthly salary doubled, plus three days off per week."
Shiba Isshin slammed his palm on the table and stood up. "10th Division! Lieutenant position! You can use all the division's resources at will. The next captain's seat is already reserved for you!"
Rangiku, standing beside him, looked as if the wind could blow her away. If Arata became lieutenant, what would that make her?
Lieutenant's secretary?
Soi Fong was about to speak, but Ōmaeda beat her to it: "2nd Division is ready to fund the construction of your own private training ground!"
He held out his hand, all five fingers spread. "Fifty million! The Omaeda family will add another fifty million to your salary every year!"
Everyone gritted their teeth, the damn power of money!
"Well done, Ōmaeda!" Soi Fong gave her lieutenant a strong pat on the shoulder, proudly puffing out her chest.
"Ah, this is going to be… a little tricky." Ukitake Jūshirō smiled bitterly.
———
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